What it means
Usually the word means the palatine tonsils, the two oval lumps on each side of the back of the throat. They are part of the lymph system and trap germs. Inflamed tonsils are tonsillitis. When infections keep coming back or the tonsils block breathing during sleep, they may be removed (tonsillectomy).
For the nurse
After a tonsillectomy, the main danger is bleeding. Watch for frequent swallowing, which can mean blood trickling down the throat, and give cool fluids, avoiding red-colored drinks, straws and hard foods.
At a glance
| Spanish | amígdala |
|---|---|
| Also written | tonsils, tonsillar |
Related terms
lymph node
A small, bean-shaped organ of the immune system that filters lymph fluid and holds white blood cells.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
lymph
The clear fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and carries white blood cells.